PROJECT

Identification of Dogs Receiving Hormone Sparing Sterilization

PET HEALTH
PROJECT

Identification of Dogs Receiving Hormone Sparing Sterilization

PET HEALTH

Project summary

Proper identification of dogs who have received hormone-sparing sterilization is critical to avoiding unnecessary repeat surgeries. Find out what you need to know about identifying dogs that have received a hysterectomy or vasctomy by applying a simple tattoo.

Use our Veterinarian Directory to find a veterinarian near you who offers hormone-sparing sterilization.

Background

  • Hormone-sparing sterilization methods ensure population control while guarding the lifetime well-being of dogs.
  • Increasing numbers of dogs have received hormone-sparing sterilization to avoid the negative impacts from hormone loss. But hormone sparing methods may not be obvious.
  • To ensure that lost or rehomed dogs do not receive a repeat surgery, it is important to use standard identification of dogs that had a hysterectomy or vasectomy.

Key points

  • To identify dogs that have been sterilized by hormone-sparing procedures, a simple tatoo can be applied.
    • Hysterectomy tattoo — green “X”
    • Vasectomy tattoo — green “V”
  • The simplicity of the marks does not require dedicated tattoo equipment or special skill, so that most veterinarians could provide the identification.

Parsemus' role

  • The Parsemus Foundation has funded work on identification of free-roaming dogs in the past, and supports idenfication of owned dogs with simple tattoos that can be easily applied and read.
The Project in Detail

Topics

  1. Promoting choice for optimal animal health
  2. Identification of dogs with hormone-sparing sterilization
  3. Take action: identification of dogs
  4. Veterinarians offering alternative 
methods of contraception
  5. Additional resources

Promoting choice for optimal animal health

Hormone-sparing sterilization methods ensure population control while guarding the lifetime well-being of dogs. Hysterectomy (also called ovary-sparing spay) for females and vasectomy for males are ways to sterilize pets without the negative impacts from hormone loss. For a recent overview on the health implications of traditional spay and neuter, and a review of hormone-preserving contraceptive options, see this article in the Innovative Veterinary Care journal.

Pet owners can find veterinarians in your area offering ovary-sparing spay as an option. Veterinarians can review information on canine hysterectomy and vasectomy and register their veterinary clinic in the free directory to connect with clients. Also, visit the Facebook Ovary Sparing Spay and Vasectomy Group for a list of veterinarians who offer alternatives to traditional spay and neuter and to share your experiences.

Identification of dogs with hormone-sparing sterilization

Knowing whether a dog was sterilized is critical for preventing unnecessary repeat surgeries. However, lack of standardization has been a barrier. After a review of common identification methods for owned dogs and methods being used currently by veterinarians, a simple tattoo in the inguinal area is recommended as the standard for hormone-preserving sterilization methods:

Hysterectomy: Green “X” slightly lateral to midline near umbilicus
Vasectomy: Green “V” lateral and cranial to scrotal region

The simplicity of the marks does not require dedicated tattoo equipment or special skill, so that most veterinarians could provide the identification. Tattoos can be created using a needle or scalpel to apply the tattoo ink to the dermis. This video illustrates the technique. The procedure is completed while the dog is sedated for a sterilization procedure  and no additional equipment is needed for detection. Although clarity of a tattoo may decrease over time, in this case it is not necessary that it is legible — just that it’s visible.

Take Action:
Identification of Dogs

For Veterinarians

  • Veterinarians who wish to be listed in the directory may do so by filling out the info on the clinic registration form.
  • Use this flyer as an informational piece for your website or as a handout for clients.
  • Email us at  if you would like to consult with a veterinarian who is experienced with hormone-sparing sterilization.
  • Review the Additional Resources below. Take note of the information about gonadectomy risks for specific breeds and mixed-breed dogs published by Hart and colleagues (2020) and stay abreast of recent updates in this rapidly evolving area of research.
Add your clinic to our Vet Directory

For Pet Owners

  • Review this flyer to understand whether hormone-sparing sterilization is right for you and your dog. Keep in mind that impacts vary on breed, size and other factors. Check the recent publications about cancer and joint disorders by dog breed and mixed-breed size.
  • Consult with a veterinarian who is familiar with the health issues related to spay/neuter and familiar with hormone-sparing options. Each dog and family is different, and having an expert consultation on the best method of sterilizing your dog is important.
  • To find a provider you can search the Veterinary Directory or check the information at the Ovary Sparing Spay and Vasectomy Info Facebook Group. If you cannot find a provider nearby, you could pass along the information on this website to your own veterinarian and ask if he or she can provide the procedure. Direct him or her to the information on this website and email us at  if additional assistance/advice is required.
  • Please let us know if you find a veterinarian who offers OSS or vasectomy and would like to join our directory!
  • If you choose to preserve your dog’s hormones, consider joining this Facebook group: Training and behavioral advice for Intact Dogs.

Veterinarians offering alternative methods of contraception

For Pet Owners

Looking for a veterinarian willing to perform procedures beyond surgical spay or neuter? Browse our directory of qualified veterinary professionals.

Veterinarian
Directory

Search for a Veterinarian

For Veterinarians

Do you offer alternative methods of contraception like ovary-sparing spay and vasectomy? Join our referral directory so new clients can find you.

Add your clinic to our Vet Directory

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What people  are saying

“Based upon the review of the literature, it becomes clear that canine gonads are not merely reproductive organs but critical to endocrine, musculoskeletal, behavior, and antineoplastic health.”

Zwida & Kutzler

“Recent scientific studies demonstrate that spaying/neutering, particularly before a dog is fully mature, may result in detrimental long-term health impacts. In light of this information, AKC encourages breeders, owners and veterinarians to consult on the appropriateness and timing of spaying or neutering an individual dog.”

AKC Position Statement on Spaying and Neutering

“About the only positive effect on behavior that seems to result from spaying and neutering is the roughly 68 percent decrease in urine marking.”

Stanley Coren Ph.D., F.R.S.C

“Thought leaders are beginning to accept that spay and neuter have both positive and negative health consequences that vary by age, gender and breed.”

Elaine Lissner

“The societal practice in the U.S. of dog neutering contrasts with the general attitudes in many European countries, where neutering is commonly avoided and not generally promoted by animal health authorities.”

Torres de la Riva, et al.

“Laparoscopic ovariectomy in cats is safe, can be performed in a comparable amount of time as traditional ovariohysterectomy, and may result in less postoperative discomfort.”

Case et al.

“I am so thankful for this site. I have referred people to you for years. ... I've told people about the option of hormone-sparing surgeries and also managing their intact animals with integrity and compassion. I look at your site and tell them about veterinarians near them who can do these surgeries.”

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